As a small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owner, it’s important to be aware of the top cybersecurity myths that can harm your company. Believing these myths can cause you to make bad decisions about your data security, which can lead to costly data breaches. Here are five of the most common cybersecurity myths that need to be debunked and why they are harmful to businesses.
Myth 1: Cybercriminals only target big companies
Many SMBs still believe that they are too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. This couldn’t be further from the truth. SMBs are often prime targets because they tend to have weaker security defenses than larger companies. Additionally, SMBs usually don’t have the resources to quickly recover from a data breach. This gives cybercriminals an opportunity to steal more data and/or cause more damage.
Myth 2: Antivirus software is enough to keep your data safe
Antivirus software is crucial for protecting your computers from malware, but it’s not enough to keep your data safe. Cybercriminals’ methods for attacking businesses are constantly evolving, and antivirus software can’t always keep up. Moreover, antiviruses can’t protect your data from being stolen by an insider or a malicious outsider; they merely detect and remove viruses and other malware from your systems.
To properly protect your data, you need to have a comprehensive security solution that includes firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and data encryption. These tools serve different purposes and work together to create a layered defense that can protect your data from the most sophisticated attacks.
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Myth 3: Your IT staff alone is responsible for cybersecurity
While your IT staff does play a crucial role in protecting your data, the reality is that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Security breaches can occur due to a variety of factors, including human error. For example, an employee accidentally clicking on a phishing email can give cybercriminals access to your network.
Safeguard your systems and data by implementing security policies and procedures, and making sure that everyone in your company follows these. You should also provide employees with regular cybersecurity awareness training. This will help them to better understand the threats your business faces and how they can avoid becoming a victim.
Myth 4: Data breaches are only caused by external actors
One of the biggest myths about data breaches is that they are only caused by external actors, such as hackers. However, this is not always the case. Data breaches can also be caused by internal actors, such as disgruntled or careless employees.
For example, a staff member might deliberately steal company data so they can sell it to your competitors, or an employee could leave their laptop containing sensitive data in a public place where it can get stolen and/or hacked into. That’s why it’s essential to implement security controls that protect against both internal and external threats.
Myth 5: Meeting compliance requirements means your cybersecurity is airtight
Another common myth is that meeting compliance requirements, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, means your cybersecurity is airtight. However, compliance does not equal security.
Compliance refers to a set of minimum requirements that your business must meet to ensure you are protecting sensitive data. However, these requirements do not guarantee that your network and systems will be safe from all threats. You need to go above and beyond compliance and implement a cybersecurity strategy designed to secure all facets of your IT environment.
Cybersecurity is a complex issue, and there are many myths about it. Believing these myths can lead to serious consequences, which is why it pays to be aware of the most common myths and understand the reality behind them. With this knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to secure your data and keep your business safe.
If you have any questions about cybersecurity or need help implementing a robust cybersecurity strategy, our team of experts at outsourceIT can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
